Abstract
Results are reported from a study examining the association between subdimensions of trait gratitude (appreciation of others, sense of abundance, and simple appreciation, SGRAT, Thomas and Watkins 2003) and daily life affective processing, in order to respond to the acknowledged need for further research on how trait gratitude may contribute to our well-being. Using experience sampling methodology actual momentary experiences of positive and negative affect were measured on 7 consecutive days in a sample of 106 respondents (63 women and 43 men, varying in age from 18 to 65 years). Multilevel regression analyses revealed that only sense of abundance was significantly associated with momentary experiences of positive affect (positive association) and negative affect (negative association) in daily life. Our findings add to the theoretical understanding of the underlying pathway of the association between trait gratitude and well-being and provide a practical starting point for gratitude interventions.
Highlights
Trait gratitude has been found to be positively associated with subjective well-being (Alkozei et al 2018; Watkins et al 2015), as well as negatively associated with depression (Cheng et al 2015) and anxiety (Millstein et al 2016; Ruini and Vescovelli 2013)
This indicates that even though empirical evidence shows well-being and trait gratitude are positively associated, our understanding of how is not yet sufficient to develop truly effective interventions. In this brief report we present research results of an experience sampling study (ESM, Hektner et al 2007; Stone et al 1999), exploring how trait gratitude manifests itself in the experience of affect in daily life, to help us better understand the pathway between trait gratitude and well-being
Considering paths of affective processing (Fredrickson and Branigan 2005; Rowe et al 2007), assumptions of positive emotions enhancing resilience (Frederickson 2013; Frederickson and Losada 2005) and the possibility of positive affect initiating an upwards spiral of positive emotions (Frederickson and Joiner 2002; Kok et al 2013), the roots of the benefits of trait gratitude may well be found in the experience of more positive affect and less negative affect throughout the day
Summary
Trait gratitude has been found to be positively associated with subjective well-being (Alkozei et al 2018; Watkins et al 2015), as well as negatively associated with depression (Cheng et al 2015) and anxiety (Millstein et al 2016; Ruini and Vescovelli 2013). This indicates that even though empirical evidence shows well-being and trait gratitude are positively associated, our understanding of how is not yet sufficient to develop truly effective interventions. In this brief report we present research results of an experience sampling study (ESM, Hektner et al 2007; Stone et al 1999), exploring how trait gratitude manifests itself in the experience of affect in daily life, to help us better understand the pathway between trait gratitude and well-being. In the current study the actual momentary experiences of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) were measured
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